Arsenal legend expecting big things from Wilshere

Former Arsenal hero Ray Parlour believes it is Jack Wilshere's time to make a big impact for Arsenal and for England.

The 18-year-old has once again impressed for the Gunners in pre-season, and Arsène Wenger has hinted he will not be sending the youngster out on loan again this season.

Parlour believes Wilshere's time at Bolton last season will have helped him, and believes he is now ready to play regularly for Arsenal.

He said: "I think he's had a really good start in pre-season. I've been up to the training ground a few times and they are really happy with how he's been performing. He's worked very hard and that showed in the Emirates Cup this weekend.

"I think the time at Bolton has helped him, it's all about knowing how the Premier League works and getting experience against other teams. They put the team together around him at the Reebok and he did well, I'm sure he'll now play a big part in Arsenal's season.

"He's got so much balance and he's not the tallest so he's a bit like Paul Scholes. He's a similar sort of player definitely, although he might want to score a few more goals. I'm sure he will do that if he plays more often."

Parlour believes a call-up to the England squad could be beneficial for both parties, especially after the success of Germany fielding young players in this summer's World Cup.

He said: "Capello has to answer to the public after the team didn't perform at the World Cup. I think he might bring in some other youngsters with the experienced players, youngsters like Jack Rodwell and Kieran Gibbs. These guys need to be bedded into the squad.

"Jack wouldn't let England down, he'd be very good. Just look at what Ozil and Muller did for Germany. These young English guys could do the same thing in a couple of years, but they have to be involved now so they get used to the other players and the different training. They'd learn a lot from it."

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